Conte added in his news conference: "When you play against players with great talent, sometimes you try to intimidate them and referees must protect these players because they could go out with a bad injury."

Runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea showed their mettle, dominating a United side that has reacted well to a 4-0 demolition at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

With Tottenham awaiting in a Wembley semi-final, Conte hailed the big-game instincts of his players.

"It was a good performance against a team that is very strong, with good players," he said.

"For me, United are the best squad in the league. They have a lot of good players and we must be pleased to go in the next round and to beat a great opponent.

"In a semi-final it's normal for the draw to be difficult, but also in this quarter-final it was the same, very difficult against United.

"But now we go to Wembley and we are ready to play against Tottenham, against a really strong team but now we must be satisfied for the result and for what we are doing in this season."